A QUICK CALL TO ACTION TO SAVE NIGERIA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM FROM FURTHER EMBARRASSMENT

A QUICK CALL TO ACTION TO SAVE NIGERIA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM FROM FURTHER EMBARRASSMENT

To Whom It May Concern,

As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. I am writing as a deeply concerned parent to express my disappointment over the ongoing neglect in Nigeria’s educational system. The recent developments point to a troubling pattern of oversight and mismanagement, which must be addressed immediately to avoid further national embarrassment.

First, we are yet to fully address the alarming fact that over 1.9 million candidates scored below 200 in the recent JAMB examination. This glaring statistic speaks volumes about the declining quality of education in the country and the failure to provide young Nigerians with the tools needed to succeed.

More recently, on May 28, 2025, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) administered the English Language examination under highly unprofessional and dangerous conditions. Reports indicate that the exam, which should have ended between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, was still ongoing as late as 10:15 PM. This extended duration exposed students—many of whom are underage—to unnecessary physical and psychological stress.

To make matters worse:

No adequate security arrangements were made for the students returning home late at night.
In rural areas, students were forced to write under complete darkness due to a lack of lighting provisions.
Many students had to travel long distances, unaccompanied, risking their safety in the process.

This is completely unacceptable.

We, as concerned parents and citizens, make the following urgent demands:

An official and public apology from both the WAEC Council and the Federal Ministry of Education for the negligence displayed in the planning and execution of the English Language examination.
A full disclosure of the scores from today’s exam to ensure transparency and fairness.
A complete overhaul of the Nigerian educational system, with a focus on accountability, teacher training, infrastructure, and student welfare.
The immediate declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector to drive focused and sustained reform.
Provisions for security and lighting systems in future nationwide examinations, especially for rural and remote centers, to prevent further endangerment of students’ lives.